The County Council of Northumberland met on Wednesday 8 July 2026. The agenda included discussions on its annual reports, the Youth Justice Plan, and consideration of motions on the reintroduction of the Eurasian lynx and the dualling of the A1. The meeting was also scheduled to address the appointment of the Chair of the Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Leader of Council Annual Report

Councillor Glen Sanderson, Leader of Council, presented his annual portfolio report. The report outlined the context for the delivery of his portfolio, highlighting achievements over the past year and detailing areas of focus for the coming year. Key priorities for the council, as set out in the Corporate Plan 2026-2030, include achieving value for money, driving economic growth, and tackling inequalities. The report noted the ongoing challenges of rising costs and increased demand for statutory services, alongside a volatile economic outlook. Achievements mentioned included effective working with QTS on investment at Cambois, the creation of the Northumberland Growth Fund, the success of the Northumberland Line, and the protection of frontline services. For the coming year, the report indicated a focus on providing essential services while delivering added extras, maintaining fiscal discipline, and investing in in-house provision for children's services to reduce out-of-county placements. Economic growth priorities included accelerating investment at Cambois, attracting major investors to the Northumberland Strategic Investment Site (N-SIS), making a case for the extension of the Northumberland Line, and supporting businesses through the Northumberland Growth Fund and the Taste of Northumberland initiative. Tackling inequalities would involve working with partners through the Communities First approach, building on the success of Northumberland Skills, and delivering more affordable housing.

Youth Justice Annual Plan 2025-2026

Councillor Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, presented the Northumberland Youth Justice Service's Annual Plan for 2026-2027. The report detailed the work undertaken by the service, its key priorities, and interventions aimed at supporting children and young people and reducing offending behaviour. Section 40 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 mandates local authorities to produce such a plan, which is part of Northumberland Council's Policy Framework and requires approval by Full Council. The plan highlighted a commitment to a Child First approach, with a vision to reduce offending and reoffending, strengthen early intervention, and ensure children are supported through trauma-informed, child-first practice. The report noted a recent rise in First Time Entrants (FTEs) in Northumberland, contrasting with a national downward trend, and identified challenges such as increased exploitation concerns and a growing prevalence of motoring and arson offences. Key priorities for 2026-2027 included improving the quality of case management, strengthening the victim offer, developing the Youth Justice Service (YJS) Management Board, building on the Turnaround programme for prevention and early intervention, and embedding a comprehensive quality assurance framework. The plan also detailed partnership strengths, including collaboration with police, health, education, and the voluntary sector.

Motions

Two motions were scheduled for discussion:

• Motion No. 1: Opposition to Eurasian Lynx Reintroduction Councillor Bridgett was scheduled to move a motion formally opposing any proposals to reintroduce the Eurasian lynx within Northumberland. The motion proposed writing to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and Natural England, to outline the council's opposition and the concerns of Northumberland's rural communities. It also called for open and transparent engagement with local authorities, parish councils, farmers, and residents impacted by species reintroduction projects. The motion aimed to reaffirm the council's support for locally led, evidence-based conservation initiatives that protect rural livelihoods and the safety of people, pets, and livestock, and stated the council would not provide financial or other forms of endorsement to projects supporting Eurasian lynx reintroduction.

• Motion No. 2: A1 Safety and Dualling Councillor Sanderson was scheduled to move a motion addressing safety concerns on the A1 in Northumberland, particularly where the road changes between dual and single carriageways. The motion highlighted a history of high levels of death and serious injury, noting recent fatalities. It stated that while National Highways planned local safety schemes, these would not fully address issues of overcapacity and the lack of dual carriageway. The motion referenced previous spending on dualling preparations and recent correspondence with the Secretary of State for Transport. The council was asked to pass a motion calling for further correspondence to the Secretary of State to reconsider the cancellation of the A1 dualling scheme, requesting an urgent cross-party meeting with the Secretary of State, and engaging key partners to advocate for A1 dualling.

Appointment of the Chair of Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee

The council was scheduled to appoint the Chair of the Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The report indicated that the committee was currently without a Chair, and this appointment was necessary for the committee's functioning. The report noted that committee appointments must adhere to political proportionality rules.

The meeting also included standard agenda items such as apologies for absence, confirmation of minutes from the previous annual meeting, and disclosures of members' interests. There was also an opportunity for public and member questions, and announcements by the Chair, Leader, Cabinet members, or Head of Paid Service.